Extreme fire risk in the upper Taylor River Reserve

Marlborough District Council is warning people to be very careful when walking or biking in the Taylor River Reserve, especially between the Burleigh Bridge and Taylor Dam.

“The vegetation is super dry and a spark could cause a quick-spreading fire,” Assets and Services Committee chair Councillor Brian Dawson said.

“With the Wither Hills Farm Park closed more people are using the Taylor River Reserve for exercise.”

He said the reserve is a smokefree zone - smoking is not permitted in Council’s parks and open spaces.

“‘Extreme fire danger’ signs will be installed at the main access points to the reserve.”

“Reserve users should think carefully about their route and ensure they have a plan to exit the reserve quickly in case of fire. It’s a large area - about 5.5km in length from the Burleigh Bridge to the Taylor Dam.”

“Early morning and late evening walks are recommended, when the danger level is a lower.”

Council officers have discussed the situation with Fire and Emergency NZ. They have jointly concluded it would be impractical to close this part of the reserve due to the high number of entry and exit points.

Councillor Dawson said the Wither Hills Farm Park would remain closed for the foreseeable future.

“The Wither Hills’ steep slopes mean that the fire risk there is extreme. We won’t reopen the farm park until we get reasonable rainfall but there is no sign of that at present.”

Image: The reserve looking towards the Wither Hills from Wither Road